Since 2003, the Metro-Detroit Area Service Center’s Cattle Baron’s Ball in Detroit, Michigan has raised more than $5 million and earned recognition as one of the most distinctive charitable events in the area.

This year’s event, which took place September 15 at the State Fairgrounds Coliseum, was attended by more than 600 people and raised $740,000 to benefit the American Cancer Society.

The "string-tie optional" western-themed event boasted something for everyone with gaming, high-end auctions, mechanical bull riding, Texas style cuisine from nearly 20 of Detroit’s finest restaurants, and a first-rate performance by the legendary Oak Ridge Boys. Ford Motor Company Fund, General Motors Corporation, The Chrysler Foundation, and Toyota served as Cattle Baron Host Sponsors for the 2007 event.

"It’s fun to see people in Detroit dressed up as cowboys," said Christine Olszewski, manager for Eisbrenner Events Group in Troy and volunteer chair of the event’s production committee. "It’s nice to see everyone get together around the theme and have a good time for a good cause."

An important aspect of the Ball is the opportunity to pay tribute to those who have battled cancer. The Tribute Oasis, a reflective water feature with floating candles, honored and remembered those who have been touched by cancer.

"This year we added more of a presence of the American Cancer Society and their mission," said Christine. New signage featured a story of a survivor and a story of a caretaker to emphasize how funds from the Ball go towards the fight against cancer.

The Cattle Baron’s Ball in Detroit is a volunteer-driven event led by some of the nation’s most influential automotive executives and supported by the area’s top organizations. The event was chaired by Jacqui A. Dedo, Automotive Group President, The Timken Company, and nearly 250 volunteers were involved in the planning and implementation of this year’s Ball.

In her two years as a volunteer, Christine has provided a significant cost savings to the American Cancer Society while bringing a fresh look to the event. During the evening program, she was honored for her commitment with the Cowger Leadership Award. This prestigious award honors the legacy of leadership built by inaugural event chairs Gary and Kay Cowger and recognizes those volunteers who exhibit outstanding leadership in the fight against cancer. The award is the highest honor the organization bestows on a volunteer in Southeast Michigan.

"I know that a lot of recognition is given to the volunteers such as myself, but we couldn’t do half of what we do without the support of our ACS staff contacts," said Christine. "They help make it a great event for a great cause."

The Cattle Baron’s Ball was first launched as an American Cancer Society gala in Texas in the 1970s. By bringing a dash of cowboy spirit to the traditional black tie circuit, the Cattle Baron’s Ball has proven a successful fundraising model. For information about American Cancer Society galas in your community, call us toll-free at 1-800-ACS-2345.

Pictured: Dr. Don Carpenter of WYCD teaches the two step to Nancy Yaw, CEO of the American Cancer Society, Great Lakes Division, Inc. (above right); Volunteers Don Manvel, sponsorship chair, and Shelly Manvel, auction committee, show off their western style (above left)